Who’s Who on Inishowen Rivers

The Inishowen Rivers Trust invites communities and agencies to gather and share their hopes and vision for the future of Inishowen’s waters.

On Wednesday February 22nd at 6pm the Inishowen Rivers Trust (IRT), in collaboration with the Waters & Communities Office and the Rivers Trust, will run a special event in An Grianán Hotel in Burt. Everyone is welcome to participate in this event – landowners, farmers, anglers, foresters, walkers, painters, environmentalists, bird watchers, cyclists – to meet, share and learn about our precious waterways. Communities across Inishowen and beyond will have the opportunity to meet other groups and agencies involved in the monitoring, promotion and enhancement of Inishowen waters. Statutory agencies will be available to chat informally and provide information on the role of their organisation and responsibility to the lakes, rivers and coastal areas of Inishowen.

Jimmy McVeigh, Donegal’s newly appointed Community Water Officer says, “This event is a very special one-off event that is not to be missed. Statutory agencies and NGOs such as the EPA, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Loughs Agency, Donegal County Council, Department of Agriculture, Teagasc, Birdwatch Ireland, An Taisce and National Parks & Wildlife Service are among the agencies who will have stalls with information at the event.” Jimmy has spent the first few months of his job meeting groups around Donegal and many of these groups face the same challenges. “Groups often are unaware of who they need to contact to get a project started, or perhaps who could help them with funding or advice. This event aims to make the waters clearer!”

Trish Murphy, a director in the Trust says, “We had the idea of creating a mini directory of useful contacts of the organisations that are involved in monitoring and protecting our waters. This booklet will be available on the night and we hope it will be a valuable resource to groups in the future.” Trish adds, “Let us know if you can attend by emailing us or booking through Eventbrite (search for Inishowen Rivers Trust)”. The event is free of charge and refreshments will be available.

Mark Horton, the Director All Ireland of the Rivers Trust, will explain what a Trust is and will lead us on an exploration of ideas for the future. He says, “There are a wonderful array of projects that groups can get involved in, projects that will enhance a town or village, projects that enhance the water quality on our farms, projects that will bring a stream to life with fly and fish. Bring your ideas to life. Tell the Trust what help you need. Together we can achieve what we all want – pristine, healthy waters.”

The IRT is a grass roots organisation. It started out as an idea back in 2013 with a group that was working to reinstate an old riverwalk in Moville. And it has grown into an organisation of people passionate about rivers and water. In the words of our local musical friend, Kathleen O’Hara Farren, “Rekindle our trust, Review the moist edge, Reflect in the same water, Reconnect with a friend. Ceangaillte le chéile.” See you there!

Who’s Who on Inishowen Rivers, An Grianán Hotel, Burt, Feb 22nd 2017 6pm-9pm. Find out more on www.Facebook.com/InishowenRiversTrust